Blowzabella
Essentially a UK folk dance band, formed in 1978, which achieved a deal of success both on the live music circuit, and on record. The group were almost as well-known for the frequent changes of personnel as their music. In 1987, sole remaining founder member John Swayne (b. Jonathan Rock Phipps Swayne, 26 June 1940, Hereford, England; alto and soprano saxophones/bagpipes) left, and Jo Fraser (b. Jo-Anne Rachel Newmarch Fraser, 4 December 1960, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England; saxophone/vocals/whistles), joined. In 1989, Jo changed her name to Freya, owing to there being an Equity member of the same name. The rest of the group were Paul James (b. 4 April 1957, Southampton, Hampshire, England; bagpipes/soprano saxophone/percussion), Nigel Eaton (b. 3 January 1966, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, England; hurdy gurdy), Ian Luff (b. 4 January 1956, Brighton, Sussex, England; cittern/bass guitar), Dave Roberts (melodeon/darabuka) and Dave Shepherd (fiddle). Shepherd had joined the group in 1982, having previously played with folk-rock band Dr. Cosgill's Delight, alongside James. Luff joined in 1985. Blowzabella toured Brazil for the British Council in 1987, playing a large number of concerts, and PINGHA FRENZY emerged from over 50 hours of taped sessions. A RICHER DUST came from the music the band had written for the 500th Anniversary of the Battle of Stoke Field. A concert featuring the piece was performed on 18 June 1987. Freya, by 1989, was also pursuing a career outside Blowzabella, notably touring with Kathryn Locke (b. 30 May 1961, Upminster, Essex, England; 'cello). Shepherd left to get married and moved to live in Germany, and Andy Cutting (b. 18 March 1969, West Harrow, Middlesex, England; melodeon) joined in 1989. Cutting had previously filled in on odd dates when Shepherd was unavailable, so was no stranger to the music. Later that same year, Swayne re-joined the band. The group's repertoire included a wealth of dance material from northern Europe and France. Although considered a dance band, Blowzabella gave many concerts in such places as Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Europe and Brazil. They played a ‘farewell tour’ in 1990 as it had become uneconomical to stay together and tour. The various members have become involved in their own projects and continue to perform.